What was this power, this insidious threat, this invisible gun to her head that controlled her life . . . this terror of being called names?She had stayed a virgin so she wouldn't be called a tramp or a slut; had married so she wouldn't be called an old maid; faked orgasms so she wouldn't be called frigid; had children so she wouldn't be called barren; had not been a feminist because she didn't want to be called queer and a man hater; never nagged or raised her voice so she wouldn't be called a bitch . . .She had done all that and yet, still, this stranger had dragged her into the gutter with the names that men call women when they are angry.
The quote reflects the struggles of a woman who feels trapped by the societal pressures and labels imposed on her by others. She navigates her life making choices primarily to avoid being criticized or demeaned by others, highlighting a deep-seated fear of being judged and called derogatory names. This fear drives her to conform to traditional roles, sacrificing her own desires and identity to fit the expectations of society. The invisible threat she experiences serves as a metaphorical weapon that shapes her behavior and choices.
Despite her efforts to comply with societal norms, the woman's attempt to protect herself from these harmful labels ultimately fails, showcasing the futility of trying to appease others. The concept of being forced into a box by societal expectations leads to a loss of personal agency, as even her well-intentioned actions do not shield her from derision. The quote captures the pervasive misogyny that influences women’s lives, as well as the profound emotional turmoil caused by the fear of being devalued based on their choices and identities.
